Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio Torgiano Rosso Riserva D.O.C.G. Red Dry Wine Chianti Blend 2011 750ml / Lungarotti

Type of wine: red with great structure and elegance for long aging.

Grape varietals: pure Sangiovese harvested in the second decade of September. Pruning: double spurred cordon; planting density: 4000 - 5000 vines/ha (1,620-2,020/acre); yield: 5 tonnes/ha (2.02 tonnes/acre).

Vineyard: “Monticchio” vineyard, situated on the Brufa hillside at 300 metres (985 feet) above sea level; Western-Southwestern exposure.

Soil type: the land is of lacustrine origin and has a significant variety of soils: layers of clay alternate with sandy layers, the latter being more frequent at the lower part of the vineyard.

Vineyard area: 15 hectares, of which only 10 have been utilized to produce Rubesco Riserva “Vigna Monticchio” 2015.

Vinification: fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature (26çC/79°F) with 25-28 days of maceration on skins; wood aging in fine-grained oak barriques and 50 Hl barrels for about 12 months followed by 3 years aging in bottle.

Colour: intense ruby red with violet nuances.

Bouquet: elegant and complex, it recalls sour cherries; delicate hints of violet and refined woody notes (cocoa and coffee); the finish is spicy, with notes of pepper and cloves.

Flavour: right from the start, flavour is deep, harmonious and well balanced in structure; complex and slightly balsamic fruitiness, while tannin texture is enveloping with hints of licorice, jam and a long finish that hints at a delicate minerality and spicy closing note.

Consumption: Serve at 16-18°C (61-64°F). Given the long stay in bottle, decanting is recommended in order to fully appreciate its roundness and elegance; if kept in the proper conditions, its lifespan can easily surpass 50 years.

Food affinities: dishes of refined international cuisine, fillet with pepper and Japanese mustard, squab with black truffles, roast beef with wasabi, Peking duck, guinea hen “alla ghiotta”, aged cheeses.

Focus: a special selection of Rubesco from the Monticchio vineyard ever since its first harvest in 1964, this is Lungarotti’s banner wine all over the world. Considered one of Italy’s very best red wines, it truly epitomizes Umbria, its rolling hills and its people, with a unique balance between strength and elegance. Produced only in the best vintages.

Anecdotes: Rubesco is a Lungarotti trademark deriving from the Latin verb “rubescere” to blush (with joy).

Label: bas-relief depicting the harvest, detail from the Fontana Maggiore, one of Italy’s most beautiful Medieval fountains.